Marvel Cinematic Universe veteran Chris Evans finally reacts to Robert Downey Jr. coming back to the franchise in Avengers: Doomsday as Marvel’s Doctor Doom. The Multiverse Saga is nearing its end, with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars set to bring the MCU timeline against its biggest threat yet in the form of Victor von Doom. Several MCU stars have shared their reactions about Downey Jr. making his comeback to the franchise – a roster that now also includes the franchise’s Steve Rogers.

ScreenRant’s own Liam Crowley recently spoke with Chris Evans for his new movie, Materialists, which features co-stars Dakota Johnson and MCU newcomer Pedro Pascal, who will make his debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps as Mister Fantastic before reprising the role in Avengers: Doomsday. During the interview, Evans was asked if it was weird to see Downey Jr. taking on one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, with the former Captain America star sharing the following while also explaining how this casting is possible to Johnson:

Chris Evans: I mean, I can’t wait to see what he does. I’m sure it’s going to be incredible.

Dakota Johnson: He’s a villain now?

Chris Evans: Yeah, he’s Dr. Doom now.

Dakota Johnson: You can do that? You can just choose?

Chris Evans: When I first heard it, I was like, ‘Huh?’ But it’s almost like cheese and the crust. You’re like, ‘There’s nothing more we can do with this pizza,’ and then you’re like, ‘Oh, damn. You know? What else? What if we did this? (makes flipping motion). Whoa.’

ScreenRant: I want to circle back to Materialists to wrap up. Something said at the beginning of this film is that a partner that a character has makes her feel valuable. It’s said in a bit of a superficial way, but it is true. There are those moments, there are those people that you connect with in life that make you feel valuable for you two as actors, whether it be a director casting you in a role, a part that you got. What was that first moment where it clicked where you felt that sense of value as an actor?

Chris Evans: Great question. I might even say Downey. I made movies for 10 years prior to jumping onto the Marvel train.

ScreenRant: Because he gave you the call, right?

Chris Evans: Yeah. He was the one who kind of talked me into it. I didn’t want to take the role. I said no a few times and he was the one that kind of gave the knowledge.

Dakota Johnson: You didn’t want to be Captain America?

Chris Evans: I said no a few times. I know. Just didn’t want to do it. I was scared, I was intimidated. I didn’t know. It was a big commitment and I was kind of thinking about leaving acting in general. I don’t know.

What Chris Evans’ Robert Downey Jr. Comments Mean

Many people were expecting a new actor to be tapped as Victor von Doom for the MCU whenever it was time to bring that character into the franchise, especially given the character has the potential for such a long on-screen story. That is why Marvel Studios became one of – if not the biggest – headlines for San Diego Comic-Con 2024 when Downey Jr. unmasked himself at Hall H. Evans’ reaction is, in many ways, representative of how many fans reacted to seeing the former Iron Man actor coming back to the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, but with perhaps the biggest twist of all time for Marvel Studios.

It’s also key to remember that Evans is no stranger to Doctor Doom, as he previously played Human Torch in Fox’s Fantastic Four movies, where the Marvel baddie was played by Julian McMahon. Given how Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom will be a vastly different iteration when he first appears in Avengers: Doomsday, it’s definitely going to be a surreal experience, to say the least. As it stands, it seems giving the MCU’s Doctor Doom the same face as Tony Stark – a hero who gave his life in Avengers: Endgame – is going to bring some emotional tension in Avengers: Doomsday.

Our Take On Chris Evans’ Robert Downey Jr. Comments

Given how many times Evans has worked with Downey Jr. as Iron Man during their original time in the MCU, his reaction makes a lot of sense, as it will definitely be a different experience seeing his co-star now playing Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The bigger question is whether Evans will get to interact with Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, as he is still not confirmed to appear in either of the upcoming Avengers movies in Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday currently filming. As Avengers: Doomsday continues with principal pH๏τography, time will tell if Evans will have a secret role in the film or not.

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